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Colorado Rockies: Trade DJ LeMahieu to the Los Angeles Angels?

By James LaGrow

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 04: D.J. LeMahieu #9 of the Colorado Rockies hits a RBI single in the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field on August 4, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 04: D.J. LeMahieu #9 of the Colorado Rockies hits a RBI single in the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field on August 4, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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JULY 7: Danny Espinosa #3 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim throws out Nomar Mazara #30 of the Texas Rangers during the eighth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on July 7, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Ranger won 10-0. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
JULY 7: Danny Espinosa #3 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim throws out Nomar Mazara #30 of the Texas Rangers during the eighth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on July 7, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Ranger won 10-0. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

In 2017, the Los Angeles Angels opening day roster started with Danny Espinosa playing second base. He would eventually play in 71 games, slashing a league worst .173/.245/.278 with six home runs, 31 runs batted in, and 4 stolen bases. His -1.6 WAR, and 43 OPS+ were the worst numbers for a starting second baseman in Major League Baseball.

By the trade deadline, the Angels were in such disarray at Second Base, the ball club had played Espinosa, Kaleb Cowart (0.1 WAR, 40th amongst 2nd Baseman), Cliff Pennington (0.0 WAR, 46th amongst 2nd Baseman), Nolan Fontana (-0.3 WAR, 60th amongst Second Baseman), and Nick Franklin (0.1 WAR, 45th amongst Second Baseman) at the position before dealing for Atlanta Braves Second Baseman Brandon Phillips at the waiver trade deadline in August. Phillips would place 30th amongst second baseman for the year with a 0.9 WAR, after hitting .285 / .319 / .416 with 13 home runs, 60 runs batted in, and 11 stolen bases. He helped to solidify the position.

So, the league’s 28th worst production from the second base position according to FanGraphs, is in the market for an upgrade. The Colorado Rockies are dealing from a position of strength. What could this deal potentially bring to Colorado in return?

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